Squirrel Control

Squirrels need little encouragement to seek out a warm, dry environment in the colder months or during the breeding seasons in February/March – and again in June/July.The feeding of squirrels in urban areas can encourage them to reside closer to buildings – and subsequently in them.

The cost of the damage squirrels cause can be expensive, equipped with teeth which continue to grow in length, these ‘cute’ rodents seek out material to gnaw in order to keep their teeth in check. Squirrels invade manmade habitats with little or no trouble but a humane trapping programme and squirrel proofing will protect your business.

If you have a squirrel problem you can talk to your local NBC branch for advice or to arrange an appointment by calling freephone 0333 567 2020.

Signs of a Squirrel Problem

The most common signs that you have a squirrel problem are:

nests (or dreys) of twigs in the forks of trees

gnawed or stripped pine cones where the squirrel has extracted the seed

buts with holes that have been gnawed in or stripped bark

droppings, similar to that of rats

tracks in the mud or snow. The forefoot has four long slender toes around a rectangular pad

Squirrels in the UK

There are two types of squirrel in the UK; the red squirrel and the grey squirrel. The Grey Squirrel was introduced to the UK between 1876 and 1929 and thrives in urban areas able to out-compete the Red Squirrel whose habitat is more specific and less flexible. Squirrels

invade roof and attic spaces

can be a fire hazard as they chew and strip electricity cables, rendering them unsafe and potentially dangerous